Forward-thinking Richards Can Add Attacking Edge To England

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Castrol EDGE performance analysis shows that Manchester City’s muscular full-back, Micah Richards, has rediscovered his best form this season, providing his star-studded City side with a potent and creative attacking threat. With the Euro 2012 odds heavily favouring Spain, Netherlands and Germany, England will need their best players on the pitch to stand a fighting chance, and for the right-back position it seems to be the player Capello has banished, Micah Richards.

In the clash with Tottenham, Richards will go head to head with Kyle Walker, who is currently ahead of the City man in the pecking order for the Three Lions’ right-back berth. However, in comparing their Premier League stats this season, the City man comes out on top in the attacking side of his play.

While both players have registered the same amount of goals and shots, Richards has already provided five assists (compared to Walker’s one), a figure only nine players overall in the Premier League can better so far. Richards has also been impressive with his delivery from wide areas, with 24% of his crosses finding a team-mate, compared to Walker’s 18% crossing accuracy figure.

However, in terms of basic defending, Walker has outshone Richards, winning a higher proportion of his tackles and making more interceptions.

Both players deserve their place in Fabio Capello’s next England squad, but Richards’ current form in the opposing half of the pitch offers the Three Lions a particularly valuable option from the right flank.